Shelter: Salinas chihuahua population out of control

This 5-year-old Chihuahua mix dog named Parker is available for adoption at the SPCA of Monterey County.

SALINAS, Calif. -

Chihuahua populations in Salinas are booming out of control, and many of the tiny pooches are homeless, shelter workers said Thursday.

"We are inundated with little dogs," Salinas Animal Shelter worker Cindy Burnham said. "Almost 40 percent of what we get are chihuahuas or chihuahua mix."

Too many pooches are being hurt in the street, abandoned, or euthanized in shelters.

Monterey County SPCA animal rescuers found a golden 5-year-old chihuahua mix dog severely injured and alone near Pinnacles National Park. The dog was named Parker and survived only after extensive surgery by SPCA veterinarians.

In response to the chihuahua population explosion, the Animal Friends Rescue Project announced it is offering low cost spaying and neutering vouchers for residents who live in the 93905 ZIP code and own a dog that weighs 20 pounds or less.

AFRP is using a $93,000, two-year grant for spaying and neutering small dogs in east Salinas. The nonprofit group hopes the offer will encourage dog owners to get vouchers. The AFRP's goal is to spay and neuter at least 1,000 small dogs in Salinas by July.

If you live in the 93905 ZIP code and have a small dog that needs to be spayed or neutered, you can call the AFRP at 888-565-1287 or go to www.afrpspaypal.org to receive a voucher.

You can also apply for the voucher at Salinas Animal Services, located at 144 Hitchcock Rd. in Salinas, or click here.

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